COVID concerns make graduation preps 'panic mode' for Class of 2021

Having not talked to, seen or walked past a majority of her classmates in over a year, Duke University senior Sharmi Amin clicked submit, finally placing the order for her cap and gown. The reality of the 13 months leading up to this moment and the weeks to come after set in a little more.

“It’s just this milieu of emotion for everyone,” said Amin, referring to her fast-approaching graduation from Duke. “Buying a cap and gown feels like a very kick-you-into-the-next-step sort of thing.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have grappled with how to balance ensuring both they and their students stay afloat.

Just last month, each of the Triangle’s largest universities – Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill – decided to hold in-person ceremonies.

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“Now we are four weeks until graduation, and I guess it feels really weird,” said Vivan Le, a UNC-Chapel Hill senior who is choosing not to attend her in-person graduation ceremony.

Falling COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccination numbers are two major factors that are allowing universities to celebrate commencement in person. These factors are also allowing students to reclaim part of a senior year that they feel has been dulled by the pandemic.

“Getting the vaccine was a big leap for me,” said Bryce Royal, a senior at NC State University. “People are really itching to get outside and spend quality time with people they haven’t been able to see in a year. I think, now more than ever, it's important to build these relationships as much as we can, so they will last when we’re not in such close proximity.”

Moments that epitomize senior year, such as senior wine nights at Duke, and senior bar golf at UNC are still a no-go. But students are not mourning these missed experiences.

“I’m grateful that I’ve definitely gotten closer to my friends, and I’ve still been able to get a lot out of my Duke education,” said Amin who admittedly misses those senior year “quintessential Duke moments.”

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Still, some things are normal, like the stress of that sprint to the finish line.

“I know a lot of people who are struggling now, more than they are excited for graduation,” said Amin. “Especially with all things COVID, it’s just making the whole thing a bit of a panic mode.”

As the packages arrive filled with new heels, dresses, loafers, caps and gowns, the reality sinks in even a little more.

“Gosh, it’s so weird because I still feel like a kid,” said Le. “When I saw my sister graduate or my friends graduate I was like ‘Oh my gosh, they’re so old!” and now that it's me ... it definitely feels weird.”